AIR DRIED HIDE

[BOBTRAC]

I JUST RECEIVED A WOLF HIDE THAT HAS BEEN AIR DRIED. I KNOW I NEED TO REHYDRATE IT AND PICKLE THEN TAN, BUT MY QUESTION IS DO I DO IT THE SAME AS I WOULD A DEER HIDE THAT I JUST SALTED TO REHYDRATE? DONT WANT RUIN THIS HIDE OR THE WIFE WILL KILL ME. THIS MOUNT IS ONE THAT SHE HAS BEEN WANTING.

[Bruce Rittel]

For air drieds it's always best to use a commercial agent. I prefer our Rittels Ultra-Soft Relaxer - 1 fl. oz. to each 1 gallon of water used. You can purchase it from TASCO. Their toll free number is (866) 296-2782. Most air drieds will relax fully within 8-10 hours. I recommend adding nothing else to the soak - it will only slow down the relaxing process. This is not a soap product - it's a surfactant - it makes water "wetter"!

[BOBTRAC]

I DONT USE SALT IN THE WATER ,JUST THE RELAXER? AND HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I USE FOR THE HIDE,IT IS ABOUT 5 FT FROM NOSE TO BASE OF TAIL. AFTER IT IS REHYDRATED DO I THEN PICKLE IT AND THEN TAN ?

[Bruce Rittel]

Myself - I'd probably use 6 Gls. of water and add the Ultra-Soft (6 fl. ozs.) to it. After it relaxes - rinse it good, pickle and then tan it. Dont forget the rinse - you dont want any "carry-over" into your pickle. It may change its pH!

[Rich H.]

For air drieds it's always best to use a commercial agent. I prefer our Rittels Ultra-Soft Relaxer - 1 fl. oz. to each 1 gallon of water used. You can purchase it from TASCO. Their toll free number is (866) 296-2782. Most air drieds will relax fully within 8-10 hours. I recommend adding nothing else to the soak - it will only slow down the relaxing process. This is not a soap product - it's a surfactant - it makes water "wetter"!

I'm with what he said....lol...  I love that saying Bruce(It makes Water wetter)....lol

[BOBTRAC]

thanks guys i appreciate all the help.if i ruin this hide the wife will KILL ME!!!!!!!!! AND I WOULD CRY LIKE A BABY BECAUSE OF THE MONEY I WOULD LOSE. AGAIN THANKS

[Hudson]

Rinse good like Bill said and keep a eye on the ph of the pickle for a day or two to make sure your pickle stabilizes. Some don`t rinse enough and if left unchecked can cause problems.